Bassist Blake Rhea, known for his work with Southern Avenue, was shot and killed in the Midtown district of Memphis, TN early Wednesday morning. He was 48 years old. The Memphis Police Department confirmed the news, detailing that Rhea was pronounced dead at the scene following an altercation on S Cleveland Street.
Police reports indicate that Rhea was involved in a verbal dispute before being shot by 51-year-old Edward Wurl, who has since been charged with first-degree murder and unlawful possession of a firearm. Wurl fled on foot after the shooting before being apprehended by law enforcement. He awaits a video arraignment on Friday.
Blake Rhea was a fixture of Memphis’ vibrant music community. Born in 1976, his musical journey began during his middle school years. While he initially hoped to pursue basketball as a student-athlete at Memphis University School, he explained to the school’s paper in 2015, he began gravitating toward music after being inspired by a music class he took with John Hiltonsmith.
His passion for the bass guitar blossomed as he pursued music studies at Rhodes College. Rhea was also a dedicated mentor to younger musicians, sharing his love and knowledge of music as a teacher at Germantown, TN’s School of Rock.
Over the years, Rhea’s musical resume grew steadily as he played with various bands including CYC, American Fiction, and Rabid Villain. In the past year he had toured extensively with Grammy-nominated Memphis blues-rock outfit Southern Avenue. This past summer, he graced stages with the band on Willie Nelson’s Outlaw Music Festival tour alongside Bob Dylan and John Mellencamp, which culminated in an unforgettable set at Farm Aid 2024. The bassist’s work with Southern Avenue also included sessions for the band’s upcoming album, set for release in 2025.
Blake Rhea Performs with Southern Avenue at Bilbao Blues Fest – 7/26/24
[Video: Djfredse Sarri]
Southern Avenue frontwoman Tierinii Naftaly honored Rhea’s memory in a heartfelt note on Instagram, calling him “a light that will never be forgotten.” She also spoke about welcoming him into the family fold in Southern Avenue, which also features Tierinii’s sisters, drummer Tikyra Jackson and vocalist/violinist Ava Jackson, and her husband, guitarist Ori Naftaly: “‘Brotha Blake Rhea Jackson on Bass’ 
This was not just an acknowledgment of your presence on stage, it was my moment for me to extend my endearment to you and throw a lil extra Jackson love on ya because well, we love you.”
“You have the loudest smile I’ve ever known and That’s what I will miss the most about having you around,” she added. That sentiment was echoed by countless friends, peers, and students who knew him as not only an exceptional musician but a generous soul who uplifted those around him.
Per a collection of tributes to Rhea compiled by Memphis newspaper The Commercial Appeal, soul musician Hope Clayburn referred to him as “a true master of his craft,” while drummer Danny Banks, who played with Rhea as part of John Németh‘s backing band, wrote, “I’m numb. Can’t believe you’re gone. I just saw you last night… We had some fun times together on the road and in Memphis…I love you Blake Rhea. I love you with all my heart. Can’t believe I’m having to write this. Hold your loved ones close because you never know what will happen.”
Our thoughts are with Matthew Rhea’s family and the many musicians, students, and friends mourning his loss today.
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